THE Gozo Tourism Associ-
ation and the Gozo Business
Chamber both welcomed the
2026 Budget, highlighting its
social focus and support for
economic growth. The Gozo
Tourism Association noted
that the Budget addresses the
social dimension of the Mal-
tese islands, placing particular
emphasis on families and the
elderly. A spokesperson for
the association said, "These in-
itiatives aim to tackle the low
fertility rate in the Maltese Is-
lands and help mitigate the ris-
ing cost of living. Furthermore,
this Budget supports the busi-
ness sector through the con-
tinuation and expansion of the
Micro Invest scheme, aimed to
address digitalisation and AI
adoption.
There are also measures
specifically intended to en-
hance Gozo's contribution to
national economic growth."
The association also wel-
comed added connectivity to
Gozo, including a new ferry
service connecting Sliema,
Bugibba, and Mġarr, and up-
grades to the Ċirkewwa and
Mġarr ferry terminals.
SMALL IS BEAUTIFUL
FRIDAY 31 OCTOBER 2025 • ISSUE 069 • PUBLISHED EVERY FRIDAY
gozotoday
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Gozo marks
anniversary
of liberation
from French
rule
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Gozo stakeholders welcome
'socially conscious' budget
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Ggantija's
UNESCO buffer
zone 'violated
once more,'
NGOs say
LAURA CALLEJA
lcalleja@mediatoday.com.mt
Budget 2026 was delivered on Monday by Finance Minster Clyde Caruana (inset), aiming to address low fertility rates among other things
THE Planning Board last Thurs-
day, 23 October, deferred its
decision on a proposed large
apartment complex located less
than 100 metres from the Ġgan-
tija Temples Hypogeum at the
Xagħra Stone Circle. The pro-
ject has drawn strong opposition
from heritage groups and local
organisations due to its scale and
location within the UNESCO
Ġgantija Buffer Zone.
Gozo stakeholders welcome
the Budget 2026 for its
social focus and support for
local businesses
